Switching Offices and Switching Back

Hey guys I’m currently an AN2 in a product group based in what’s probably considered a Tier 2/3 city. I’ve always had the goal of working in NYC at some point. About 60–70% of my group is in NYC, with the rest split across two other offices, one of which I’m in now.

My thinking was to make the move to NYC at the associate level, when comp (base + bonus) is a bit more comfortable. That said, I’m curious how firms generally view someone moving to NYC for a few years and then potentially ~ 5 years later moving back.

The city I’m in now seems like a better long-term place to settle down and raise a family, but I don’t want to regret never doing the NYC stint. Curious to hear thoughts from anyone who’s done something similar or seen this play out.